Let's back up a minute.

So Payton couldn't make up her mind whether she wanted a party or not. So I took it into my own hands to make sure it happened. So I gathered a few of her friends and, in 24 hours, we planned and pulled off a surprise 16th birthday party- Hawaiian style! She was definitely not expecting it- yeah! The weather was not so Hawaiian, though. The downpour, the lighting, the thunder all made for another memorable Payton party. But it was great to see her friends come and support her- even if it was 6 days BEFORE her actual birthday! Good times!

Then, on her birthday, she decided to go shopping with the family. Yes, the entire family, except Larry of course. We went to the Supermall and bought school clothes. She was able to spend the money from Oma and Grandma and Grandpa, as well as the gift card from the Bresnahan's. Fun, fun! When we got home, she had a few presents at the door from good friends; roses, a yummy brownie, and a beautiful scarf. The scarf was worn Sunday, the roses were promptly hung in her room to dry and the brownie is still in the frig, albeit much smaller today. That night we had dinner with just our family and gave her our gift- a new digital camera! I think she is enjoying that too. Thanks everyone for making her day a special one!

And there she goes....

Today was the day. 8:35am. The Puyallup DMV. The test was quick. The tester was not friendly. But she passed! She passed with flying colors, too. As I watched her drive away, tester in the passenger seat, eyes as big as the headlights, I have to admit I was nervous for her. But she pulled it off and I'm very happy for her. The whole family is, too. In fact, she off driving at this very minute with her 2 sisters and brother to probably nowhere just because she can. What a milestone! Insurance is in place and, I imagine, there will be a lot more drives to nowhere in the near future. Good job and congratulations, Payton! Be safe! We love you!

Celebration!

Today marks the 16th anniversary of one of the biggest days of our lives. On August 19th, 1993 Larry and I welcomed our first little bundle of joy into our family. 5:08pm, Provo, Utah. Reminiscing isn't making me feel old today just reminding me how very young we were back then. But, oh what a journey it has been. My little girl is growing up and fast becoming a beautiful young lady. Payton is such an amazing part of our lives. She taught us what it meant to truly love a person. She was my partner for over 2 years - we did everything together. She's smart, clever, independent to the nth degree. She is willing to try (almost) anything, loves her friends. She is responsible and knows what she wants. We don't take credit for who she has become - we fully recognize that Heavenly Father has blessed us with an incredible daughter. We wouldn't have chosen any other to come first. From taking 3 naps a day as a baby, sleeping through the night at 3 months, 2 naps a day until kindergarden, loving each sibling as they have each come along and always watching out for them; we have enjoyed watching her grow.

I have been giggling, smiling, and just plain enjoying myself as I look back through old pictures this morning. (Back before the digital age hit the Jensen household!) What memories! So I chose some of my favorites in celebration of Payton's special day- Happy Birthday, Payton! We love you!

Her birthday.

2 weeks old

With her dad, 3 months

Christmas 1993

On her first plane ride, January 1994

Always with Daddy, 4 mo

Daddy's cowgirl

My favorite outfit!

Bath time, 18 months

2 years, fishing w/Dad (yes, those are training pants on her head!)

Fall 1994

Payton, Sydney, cousin Josh- after the whale show at Sea World, 2002

Easter Egg Hunt, 2001

San Francisco, July 1998

Christmas in Chelan, 2003

Pt. Defiance Zoo, 2004

Tacoma Boat show, April 2009

Gonzaga Basketball camp, June 2009

Payton did makeovers for her sisters, July 2009

Lake Ohop for her Dad's birthday, Aug 4, 2009

And there's only more to come.... happy 16th!

Porter, Riley, and the Popsicle

Riley is 13. This might explain why she finds melted red popsicle dripping down the chin and onto the shirt of my 2 year old so very funny. So funny, in fact, that she chose to photographically document it instead of cleaning IT up. I'm not that much of a stick in the mud to not see how cute Porter is....but red, Riley? Really?